Grant's Imperial Stout Beer Review

Grant's Imperial Stout

Review Date 8/7/2001

Try? Re-buy?

A week ago today as I write, the beer world and humanity in general lost a great one. Bert Grant, founder of Yakima Brewing and Malting, died on July 31st in Vancouver, British Columbia. He was 73. Bert was sometimes referred to as the “Dean of American Brewers”, and with good reason. Bert established the country’s first brewpub since prohibition back in 1982 and put craft brew on the map in the Pacific Northwest, inspiring a love for full-flavored brews that would culminate in the regions ascension to one of the nation’s premiere brewing centers. In many ways, he was the father of brewing in the Pacific Northwest.

Grant’s most endearing quality was his independent streak, his habit of doing things his way. He brewed his beers the way he liked them, and if you liked them too, so much the better. Grant once told me in an e-mail that the brewer should have total control of the brewing process. Indeed, it was his philosophy (one I happen to agree with) that the brewer should have freedom from marketing pressures, freedom to experiment, freedom to push the envelope on beer styles and try new things. And push the envelope he did, producing beers that were idiosyncratic and just a tad different from the stylistic norm.

Grant was born in Scotland, moved to Canada as a child and took up work for a Canadian brewer at age 16. Years later he would change countries again, this time coming to America where he worked for various brewers and eventually the hop industry until 1982, when he decided to open his own brewery-brewpub, Yakima brewing and Malting. Bert was a unique individual to say the least, often sporting a kilt and drinking beers with regulars in his pub. His automobile bore the vanity plate “realale”, and beer was an integral part of the man’s life even after he sold his company to Stimson Lane Ltd. in 1995. Grant maintained an active role in ensuring his beers remained true to form even after the sale.

I still remember to this day the excitement of finding Grant’s Ales for the first time here in New England. A local retailer had made exclusive arrangements to obtain most of the Grant’s brands, and when I walked into the store there they were, stacked on an end cap display in all of their glory. This was around 1992 or 1993, and the beers were pricey at about $10 a six-pack. It didn’t matter. I grabbed a six-pack of India Pale Ale, Scottish, and Imperial Stout and quickly rushed home to try them. I was not disappointed.

The Imperial Stout was my favorite of all. Somewhat lighter than many examples of the style, Grant’s Imperial Stout has an original gravity of about 1.07 or so. Most Imperials weigh in in the vicinity of 1.1. The alcohol content is lower too, at about 6%, only slightly higher than Budweiser. Still, this is a marvelous brew with a jet-black color and a creamy tan head. The nose is full of licorice but the palate absolutely bursts with it. There are notes of chocolate here too and a little roastiness, as well as a full rich mouthfeel imparted by caramel malt and honey. The finish is nicely bitter and lingers slightly on the tongue.

So here’s to you, Bert, a toast of a fine ale to the great man who created it. The Germans have a saying that in heaven there is no beer, but I think that’s about to change. Your contributions are appreciated, and you will be missed.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

(G)=Growler

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